How is antigenic drift beneficial for viruses

Answer 1

Antigenic drift is beneficial for viruses because it allows them to evade the immune response of the host population. By continuously mutating and changing their surface antigens, viruses can change enough to avoid detection and elimination by the immune system. This allows them to establish persistent infections and continue spreading within a population. Antigenic drift is particularly important for viruses that cause seasonal infections, such as influenza, as it helps them to continually adapt and evolve to survive in their host environment.